Hour 2

H2: Charlie James covers Nardone's Senate appointment, GOP primary logistics, and final listener reflections on Graham.

During this second hour of The Charlie James Show, host Charlie James focuses on the immediate political aftermath and election logistics resulting from the passing of long-standing South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. The broadcast begins with live audio from a press conference where Governor Henry McMaster delivers a eulogy and officially appoints Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nardone, as a caretaker senator. Charlie James strongly supports this choice, explaining that both the state and national GOP—along with Donald Trump—favored Nardone because her lack of intention to run in the upcoming special election ensures a "clean primary" with no temporary incumbent holding an unfair advantage. South Carolina GOP Chairman Drew McKissick dials in to outline the strict, fast-tracked election timeline, noting that candidate filing will open on July 21st, leading to a primary on August 11th and a potential runoff on August 25th. McKissick also clarifies that voters who participated in the June Democratic primary are legally barred from crossing over into this Republican special primary. Later in the hour, Representative Ralph Norman joins the program to share his personal memories of Graham's cross-aisle dealmaking ability, sense of humor, and dedicated constituent services, while also highlighting the economic growth coming to the state. Listeners also call in to share their reactions, with many expressing mixed feelings about Graham's legacy or noting the supreme irony of the August 11th vote date, which was originally blocked for redistricting by state politicians claiming it would be too expensive. Charlie James concludes the hour by thoroughly rejecting a campaign video released by Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews, asserting that her radical left-wing platform represents values entirely opposite to those of South Carolina conservatives.

Drew McKissick breaks down the voting rules for the new special primary

In this segment, host Charlie James interviews Drew McKissick, the Chairman of the South Carolina GOP, to discuss the political landscape following the unexpected death of Senator Lindsey Graham. McKissick outlines the strict, fast-tracked timeline for the special election, noting that candidate filing opens on July 21st and closes on July 28th, with the special primary set for August 11th and a potential runoff on August 25th. They also address the voting rules, with McKissick confirming that anyone who voted in the June Democratic primary will be legally barred from participating in this special Republican primary. McKissick notes that while a crowded primary could lead to a runoff, Donald Trump may issue a swift endorsement to help clear the field and save campaign resources for the general election against Democrat Annie Andrews.

Governor McMaster names Darline Graham Nardone to fill Lindsey Graham's seat

In this opening segment of the second hour, host Charlie James broadcasts the live press conference of South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, who delivers a poignant eulogy for the late Senator Lindsey Graham before officially appointing Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nardone, to fulfill the remainder of his term. In her acceptance speech, Nardone touches on her brother's tireless work ethic, thanking the public for their overwhelming support and promising to carry on his legacy by supporting the President. Following the presser, Charlie James defends the appointment against early critics, explaining that both the state and national GOP—along with Donald Trump—favored Nardone as a caretaker because she has no intention of running in the upcoming August special election, thereby ensuring a "clean primary" where no candidate receives an unfair incumbency advantage.

H1: Senator Mike Lee urges passage of the SAVE America Act to honor Lindsey Graham, noting Trump's strong backing of the bill.

In this segment, Charlie James covers a push by Senator Mike Lee to rename and pass the SAVE America Act in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Highlighting Graham's deep involvement with the legislation, Lee argues that enacting it would be an ideal tribute. James plays an audio clip of Donald Trump recalling a phone conversation with Graham just prior to his passing, where Graham expressed strong enthusiasm for the act after returning from Ukraine. Finally, James reflects on the type of political fighting spirit conservative voters desire, drawing comparisons between current Republican figures and his views on Graham's legislative record.

Charlie James takes listener calls on Lindsey Graham's opportunist legacy.

In this segment, host Charlie James opens the phone lines to listeners to discuss the mixed legacy of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, with one caller describing him as an "opportunist." Charlie James addresses rumors from FitzNews regarding Graham's replacement, noting that Governor Henry McMaster is expected to appoint Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, as a caretaker senator. Furthermore, Charlie James reports that Donald Trump may be preparing to bypass high-profile South Carolina Republicans to endorse State Representative Russell Fry for the August 11th special primary election. Listeners call in to express their thoughts, with some praising Graham's self-directed path, while others advocate for prospective candidates like Adam Morgan or Trey Gowdy to fill the vacant seat.